*Anthology 3*, released on October 28, 1996, was not just another compilation album; it was a significant commercial success for The Beatles, continuing the impressive chart performance of *The Beatles Anthology* series. This album, which delves into the band's final two years of recording, achieved triple Platinum certification from the RIAA. Its success marked a remarkable achievement: it was the group's third consecutive double album to reach number
one on the U.S. charts, a feat that equaled a record previously set by Donna Summer in the 1970s. The entire *Anthology* collection, including *Anthology 1*, *Anthology 2*, and *Anthology 3*, was later remastered and made available digitally on the iTunes Store on June 14, 2011, both individually and as part of a comprehensive box set, further cementing its place in music history.
The Unfinished Lennon Demo: "Now and Then"
A compelling narrative surrounding *Anthology 3* involves a third John Lennon solo demo, "Now and Then," which was initially slated for inclusion. Following the successful reworkings of Lennon's "Free as a Bird" on *Anthology 1* and "Real Love" on *Anthology 2*, the plan was for the three surviving members of The Beatles – George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr – to complete this track for *Anthology 3*. However, this project ultimately did not come to fruition at the time of the album's release.
George Harrison's Dislike and the Democratic Process
The primary reason for shelving "Now and Then" was George Harrison's strong disapproval of the quality of the song's recording. Paul McCartney later recounted in a 1997 interview with *Q Magazine* that Harrison had bluntly described Lennon's demo recording as "fucking rubbish." McCartney emphasized the democratic nature of The Beatles, stating, "The Beatles being a democracy, we didn't do it." This decision highlights the internal dynamics and mutual respect among the band members, even in their later collaborations.
"A Beginning" Takes Its Place and Future Release
With "Now and Then" set aside, an orchestral instrumental track titled "A Beginning," composed by the band's producer George Martin, was included in its place on *Anthology 3*. This track was originally intended as an introduction to Ringo Starr's song "Don't Pass Me By" on "the White Album." Despite the initial shelving, the story of "Now and Then" did not end there. The song would eventually be finished and released much later, in 2023, demonstrating the enduring legacy of John Lennon's work and the persistent efforts to bring his music to a wider audience, even decades after its initial recording.
